After a much longer sojourn than expected I’m back in action following the birth of my daughter, Chloe (now 18 months). I’ll break the ice with an Iyengar joke from Elise Miller ‘s recent workshop that I’ve heard so many times its true origin is lost. How many Iyengar yogis does it take to change a lightbulb? Just one, but you need a strap, a chair, a bolster, two blankets, and two blocks!

My son was born underwater at Mission Hospitals on August 1st 2007 after a natural labor of about 9 hours. Do I consider myself lucky? Yes! Lucky to have yoga to help me relax during labor. Lucky to have access to a progressive hospital and midwives to attend the birth. Lucky to know about the benefits that birthing in the water can bring to a laboring mama. Feeling the water enveloping me made it seem less likely that I would break apart. Did my contractions hurt? Yes, but the water soothed my jangled nerves and lifted me above the pain. Check out Waterbirth International for more information on how birthing in the water can help you.

This herbal tea blend from midwife, herbalist, and mother Aviva Jill Romm is the perfect concoction to keep you going throughout your pregnancy and during those first few months afterwards. According to her Natural Pregnancy Book, this brew contains vitamins and trace minerals and is an overall birth preperator. It is safe to drink during your entire pregnancy and during labor and helps with postpartum milk production too. I like to buy my herbs in bulk at the French Broad Food Coop and steep 1/3 cup overnight in a covered mason jar to have it ready for the morning.

For the last 2 weeks before getting out of the shower I have turned the water temperature down to cold. Thank goodness there is no one taping the weird contortions my body makes to avoid the water or the strange sounds that come out of my throat once the water finds its’ way! But seriously, this trial by ice is a great way for pregnant moms to increase circulation throughout their bodies, energize, and get glowing skin. According to Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa founder of the Khalsa Way Prenatal Yoga Program and Kundalini yoga teacher, cold showers have the following benefits:

* Brings blood to the capillaries, therefore increasing circulation throughout the body.

* Cleans the circulatory system.

* Reduces blood pressure on internal organs.

* Provides flushing for the organs and provides a new supply of blood.